Barrette



Feb. 15, 1949. SOLOMON 2,461,934

BARRETTE Filed April 18, 1945 K mi 2 2 /9 12d jg ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 15, 1949 warren sm'rss smear orrlcs 12 Claims.

This invention deals with hair holding means generally known in the art as barrettes. Specifically the invention pertains to that class of barrettes wherein the clasps thereof are fastened to an ornamental support of suitable plastic, such as polymetal, methyl methacrylate, polystyrene, cellulose acetate, or the like. With the prior art barrettes, in the matter of assembly, the clasp was first positioned relative to support and thereafter certain processing of the support was required to hold the clasp fixedly thereto. This required extra time and needless assembly steps, thus enhancing the cost per unit. Moreover, the legs of the clasp in part characterized a loop wherein the legs thereof were substantially of the same length and the proximal leg relative to the support was completely embedded in the plastic body or fastened by flanges requiring subsequent processing. According to the invention and the primary object thereof is to provide a preformed plastic body for a barrette having an appropriately formed and relatively shallow and relatively short channel or opening at one end thereof for conveniently but forcefully receiving a relatively short claw or hooked portion of the clasp adapted to be frictionally and quickly anchored to the walls of the shallow channel without further processing of the plastic support of the companion hook. Other and important objects of the invention will appear from the following detailed specification considered in the light of the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 illustrates an inside view of the barrette according to my invention illustrating the clasp removably interlocked with the keeper thereof.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line 22 of Fig. 1.

Figs. 3 and 4 are transverse sectional views on the line 3-3 and 4-& of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4A is a view similar to Fig. 4 also illustrating the claw portion of the clasp force fitted to the support.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing another embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view onthe line 5-6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view on the line i'! of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view of a clasp illustrating the convexed toothed or serrated claw.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view'of another embodiment illustrating the clasp of Fig. 8 anchored and force fitted thereto.

Fig. 10 is a view on the line lfilt of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 8 however the toothed claw thereof is concaved instead of convexed.

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 9 but with'the clasp of the type shown in Fig. 11 anchored and force fitted to the support.

Fig. 13 shows another embodiment but with the clasp disassociated from the plastic body or support.

Fig. 14 is a transverse sectional view on the line 141-44 of Fig. 13, and

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary perspective view of the clasp shown in Fig. 13.

Illustrative of the several embodiments disclosed, the barrette is generally denoted B having a suitably preformed body or support S of a suitable plastic material of the type hereinbefore mentioned and from which extends the keeper K. Associated with each support is a metal clamp broadly designated as c.

In the form according to Figs. 1-4 the clamp 0 comprises a transversely curved jaw or pin member [0 having a curved end or loop portion ll integrally merged with a claw l2 forming a hook portion at said end of the pin member. The

support S is provided with a relatively shallow dovetailed opening or channel l3 having the tapering sides M which closely and frictionally retain the claw or hook l2 in the channel l3 against the bottom wall l5 of the latter. By this action the claw or hook l2, after having been force fitted into the channel, is firmly anchored and frictionally held against slippage or displacement relative to the support or backing S. The pin member or jaw I0 may be desirably shifted or swung to interlock with or disengage from the keeper K. When disengaged, the hair to be clasped may be inserted between the backing and the jaw afterwhich the free end of the latter is swung to' interlock with the keeper. The U- shaped or loop portion ll characterizes a hinge, permitting the jaw to be displaced laterally of the claw l2 and the keeper K.

In Fig. 4A, claw Hat is force fitted into the shallow channel I31: and frictionally binds against the walls thereof, the channel cross sectionally corresponding to the cross section of .the claw. In this figure, Illa represents the pin member or jaw and I la the curved pin portion.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5-7 inclusive, the shallow channel or opening I32) although in the support S is in part formed by the closure web I6. As in the case of the form shown in Figs. 1-4 and 4A, when the claw I2?) is force fitted into channel I3b, it

frictionally and securely binds against the wallsis along the lines of Figs.

thereof and the binding action of the claw in Figs. 6 and '7 would take place against the parallel surfaces characterizing the channel l3b. In other aspects, the form according to Figs. -7 1-4 and 4A. In these figures, we, llb and l2b represent like parts of the structure as shown in Figs. 14 inclusive.

Concerningthe form shown in Figs. 8-10 inclusive, the channel or opening i3c generally decreases in width from the mouth or entrance thereof for stressing the convexedly shaped claw I of the jaw I00 after reception. This open ing may be said to be tapered by reason of its diverging walls l1 and I8 and the latter slightly depress the convexed or curved'jaw after-the latter is forcibly driven into the channel I30. It will be observed that this jaw has its sides provided with the spaced teeth or serrations 49 for cooperating with the rectilinear faces 20 of theflared opening 130'. Therefore as previously stated when this toothed or corrugated claw-is inserted'into the tapered opening |3c it'is slightlydeformed ori flattened longitudinally, thus placing it under tension and when it strikes the stop face 2|, it is appreciably; under tension and thetteeth l9 grip the parallel walls 20 of channel I30. By this action, claw l2c is fixedly anchored to .thesupport or backings. In other aspects the form according to Figs. 8-l0 is along the lines of Figs. 1-7. Inother words, I I0 represents the curved end and (6c the equivalent of theclosure web l6 of Fig. 6,

The embodiment according to Figs. 11 and 12 is identical to the form shown in Figs. 8-10 except that the toothed orcorrugated claw l2d of the jaw Hid instead of being longitudinally convexed is longitudinallyiconcaved and is de sirably deformed andplaced under-tension when inserted-into a tapered opening l3d and the toothed sides opening for anchoring-purposea Inthese' figures, I Id represents the curved end and, in Fig.- 12, 2Ud is the same as 28=ofFigsp9 and 10.

In Figs; 13-15,-the shallow opening or channel -l3e is on a bias relative to the longaxis of form shown in Figs, .13-15 are alongthe lines ofthe embodiment of Figs. 1-12.

In a-ll'of the-forms disclosed, the claw or hook of the clasp is frictionally/ but firmly, secured .to the plastic body'or support and especially to-the walls of channelfthereof, thus providing, a permanentanchorage. By the-present arrangement, the channel or opening may be relatively shallow and: the length thereof be relatively. short. Thus appreciable material may be saved in the matter of forming the clasp. Moreover, by the herein disclosed method ofassembly, appreciable time is saved, inthat only a short application of force on the loop portion H is required for the claws to reach the stop-means 2| of Fig. 9, :2! of Fig. 2, 2lb of Fig. 6, H11 of Fig. 12 and Me of Fig. 13, and skilled help is necessary.

Various changes may be made in details of construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages thereof 1 inl9d grip the side walls of this herent therein. The stops 2i, 2i, 21b, Zle form closed ends to the respective channels and the channels I3, l3a, I31), I30, I3cl and [3e all open through the other ends of the channels for free insertion of the claws l2, l2a, I21), I20, I2d and l2e. For purposes of description, the channel of Figs. 9-12 may be considered a conical socket for the reception of the claw or mounting end of the pin member or clasp.

I claim:

1. In a barrette, a support having an integral hook-shaped keeper on one surface and adjacent one end thereof, said support having a short channel at the other end thereof, the inner end of the channel having a stop wall, the other outer end of the channel being open, an elongated clasp comprising a jaw, a claw integrally joining the jaw in an inwardly curved portion at one end of the jaw, said claw being force fitted within the walls of said channel in retaining the clasp against displacement from said support, and said jaw and keeper having cooperating means for retaining the jaw against displacement from said keeper.

2. Ina barrette, a support havingan integral hook-shaped keeper on one surface and adjacent one end thereof, said support having a short channel at the other end thereof, the inner end of the channel having a stop wall, the other outer end of the channel being open, an elongated clasp comprising a jaw, a claw'integrally joining the jaw in an inwardly curved portion at one end of the jaw, said claw being force fitted within the walls of said channel in retaining the clasp against displacement from said support, said jaw and keeper having cooperating means-for retaining the jaw against displacement from said keeper, and the free end of said claw abutting the stop wall in mounting the claw in said channel.

3. In a barrette, a support having an integral hook-shaped keeper on one surface and adjacent one end thereof, said support having a short channel at the other end thereof, the inner end of the channel havinga stop wall, the other outer end of the channel being open, an elongated clasp comprisinga jaw, a claw integrally joining the jaw in an inwardly curved portion at one end of the jaw, said claw being force fitted Within the walls of said channel in' retaining the clasp against displacement fromsaid support, said jaw and keeper having cooperating means for retaining the jaw against displacement from said keeper, and saidchannel being dovetailed in cross-sectional form.

4.. ln arbarrette, a, support having an integral hook-shaped keeper on one surface-and adjacent one end thereof, saidwsupport having a short channel at the other end thereof, the inner end of the channel having a stop wall, the other outer end of the channel beingiopen, an elongated clasp comprising a jaw, a claw integrally joining the jaw in an inwardly curved portion at one end of the jaw, said claw being force fitted within the walls of said channel in retaining the clasp against displacement from said support, said jaw and keeper having cooperating means for retaining the jaw against displacement from said keeper, and said support having a web overlying the claw in said channel.

5. In a barrette, a support having an integral hook-shaped keeper on one surface and adjacent one end thereof, said support havinga short channel at the other end thereof, the inner end of the channel having a'stop wall, the other outer end of the channel being open, an elongated clasp comprising a jaw, a claw integrally joining the jaw in an inwardly curved portion at one end of the jaw, said claw being force fitted within the walls of said channel in retaining the clasp against displacement from said support, said jaw and keeper having cooperating means for retaining the jaw against displacement from said keeper, said support having a web overlying the claw in said channel, and said claw having teeth engaging walls of said channel.

6. In a barrette, a support having an integral hook-shaped keeper on one surface and "adjacent one end thereof, said support having a short channel at the other end thereof, the inner end of the channel having a stop wall, the other outer end of the channel being open, an elongated clasp comprising a, jaw, a claw integrally joining the jaw in an inwardly curved portion at one end of the jaw, said claw being force fitted within the walls of said channel in retaining the clasp against displacement from said support, said jaw and keeper having cooperating means for retaining the jaw against displacement from said keeper, said support having a web overlying the claw in said channel, and said claw being curved in longitudinal form.

7. In a barrette, a support having an integral hook-shaped keeper on one surface and adjacent one end thereof, said support having a short channel at the other end thereof, the inner end of the channel having a stop wall, the other outer end of the channel being open, an elongated clasp comprising a jaw, a claw integrally joining the jaw in an inwardly curved portion at one end of the jaw, said claw being force fitted within the walls of said channel in retaining the clasp against displacement from said support, said jaw and keeper having cooperating means for retaining the jaw against displacement from said keeper, said support having a web overlying the claw in said channel, said claw being curved in longitudinal form, and side edges of the claw having projecting teeth.

8. In a barrette, a support having a hookshaped keeper on one surface and adjacent one end thereof, said support having a short channel at the other end thereof, said channel being defined by top, bottom, side and one end wall, the other end of the channel being open, the top and bottom walls of the channel being flared one with respect to the other in the direction of the open end of the channel, an elongated clasp comprising a jaw, a claw integrally joining the jaw in an inwardly curved portion at one end of said jaw, said claw having arcuate formation for frictional engagement with the walls of said channel in force-fitting the claw in said channel to retain the clasp against displacement fromsaid support, and the free end portion of the jaw of said clasp engaging the keeper in retaining said clasp against accidental displacement therefrom.

9. In a, barrette, a support having a, hookshaped keeper on one surface and adjacent one end thereof, said support having a short channel at the other end thereof, said channel being defined by top, bottom, side and one end wall, the other end of the channel being open, the top and bottom walls of the channel being fiared one with respect to the other in the direction of the open end of the channel, an elongated clasp comprising a jaw, a claw integrally joining the jaw in an inwardly curved portion at one end of said jaw, said claw having arcuate formation for frictional engagement with the walls of said channel in force-fitting the claw in said channel to retain the clasp against displacement from said support, the free end portion of the jaw of said clasp engaging the keeper in retaining said clasp against accidental displacement therefrom, and said claw having teeth adapted to engage the walls of said channel.

10. In devices of the class described comprising a supporting body having a socket, said body adjacent one end thereof, an elongated pin memher, a mounting end portion joining one end of the pin member in an integral curved portion offsetting the mounting end with respect to the pin member, the cross-sectional area of said socket being greater than the cross-sectional area of said mounting end, said mounting end being curved for frictional engagement with the socket walls in force-fitting of the mounting end in said socket, and means checking inward movement of the mounting end in said socket.

11. A clasp for barrettes having a clasp mounting socket at one end thereof, said clasp comprising an elongated pin member, a mounting claw at one end of the pin member, said claw joining the pin member in an integral curved portion spacing the claw from said pin member, the cross-sectional area of the socket being greater than the cross-sectional area of the claw, and the claw of said pin member being longitudinally curved.

12. A clasp for barrettes having a clasp mounting socket at one end thereof, said clasp comprising an elongated pin member, a mounting claw at one end of the pin member, said claw joining the pin member in an integral curved portion spacing the claw from said pin member, the cross-sectional area of the socket being greater than the cross-sectional area of the claw, the claw of said pin member being longitudinally curved, and side edges of the claw having projecting teeth.

NATHAN L. SOLOMON.

' REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent: 1

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,243,834 Hamilton Oct. 23, 1917 1,670,970 Laverdiere May 22, 1928 2,170,778 Huppert Aug. 22, 1939 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country I Date 365,795 Great Britain Jan. 28, 1932 

